Press release

Celebrating Australian built environment leaders

On 7 June, we welcomed nearly 250 guests to the RICS Awards in Melbourne. Across 16 categories, 17 winners were announced, demonstrating the breadth of influence of the industry and profession.

Ably hosted by Peter Maddison of 'Grand Designs Australia', the night took on special significance in our 150th anniversary year. The shortlist and winners reflect how our professionals are adapting to our changing world.

For the first time this year, the Awards also celebrated the profession’s diversity with the inaugural Women of the Built Environment category. It was great to see that this category received the highest number of submissions.

"RICS is incredibly proud of the contribution you’re making to our world. The work you do makes a lasting impact for future generations, and becomes the inspiration young people need to enter the industry." Chris Nicholl FRICS, Managing Director Oceania, RICS

Team awards

Congratulations to the winners of the team awards.

Building Certification Team of the Year –Building Approvals & Advice

“The project outlined in the submission described a wide range of challenges that the team had to overcome in a rapidly changing environment. It outlined an innovative approach to solving the client’s compliance issues in a proactive collaborative fashion.”

Building Consultancy Team of the Year –Joint winners: RSP, and Savills Project Management Pty Ltd

RSP: “Their submission described the team’s dedication in providing an outstanding level of service, in project management and contract administration services.”Savills: “Through the team’s research and utilisation of specialised consultants they have created an iconic piece of architecture.”

Commercial Agency Team of the Year –Cushman & Wakefield

“The winning submission described their outstanding performance as a new team in the Sydney CBD. This team executed 3 of the largest brokerage deals in the market in 2017 displaying their exceptional teamwork.”

Asset Management Team of the Year –RMIT Property Services

“The submission outlined two projects that the team had achieved. They thought they both demonstrated an innovative approach to asset management using an inhouse team of specialists.”

Facilities Management Team of the Year –Cushman & Wakefield

“The team applied a robust project management framework focusing on people, process and system implementation. They brought together a diverse group to successfully meet a compressed timeframe of only 8 weeks.”

Valuation Team of the Year (presented by Coverforce) –CBRE

“This submission took a closer look at the team’s complex scope of work. Their diligent, timely and successful completion of detailed valuation reports and modelling for clients shows their leadership with complex multi-national clients.”

Sustainability Project Award –Kernel Property

“They showcased an outstanding example of innovation and commitment to sustainable solutions. Their design showcases how creativity, innovative thinking and sustainable construction can work together to deliver outstanding results.”

Quantity Surveying Team of the Year (presented by Aston Consult) –Aquenta (A Jacobs Company)

“This team outlined a unique and complex project. Strong testimonials supported the outstanding service and teamwork displayed throughout this project, making them stand out among the other submissions.”

Property Fund of the Year –Quintessential Equity

“This submission clearly demonstrated their significant influence on the Canberra property market. They made social contributions to benefit small businesses in the local community as well as educating government tenants on critical elements throughout the process.”

Technology Innovation Team of the Year (presented by Opteon) –Cushman & Wakefield

“The technology has significantly improved health and safety, providing clients with the knowledge, comfort and robust audit trails ensuring their supply chain is safe and compliant on site.”

Tenant Advisory/Representation Team of the Year –JLL

“The team combined teamwork, professionalism, innovation and sustainability to achieve fantastic outcomes for clients. Each project was supported by strong testimonials praising their agility and innovative solutions to any challenge.”

Individual awards

Congratulations to the five individual award winners:

Property Professional of the Year

Presented by LMW, this award recognises a property professional who represents the highest professional ethics, demonstrates the use of standards in their day-to-day activities, and embodies excellence.

Peter Apostolakos from CBRE took home the award for a submission covering a vast range of programs and initiatives achieved this year. These include: streamlining a capital works program on a large portfolio, establishing an official LGBTI network for CBRE, being a founding member of the company’s corporate social responsibility program, and lecturing at the University of Technology Sydney.

Construction Professional of the Year

Presented by RMIT, this category is awarded to an outstanding individual for excellence in quantity surveying, project management, land surveying or building surveying.

Andrew Hogg of Savills took home the award, with an almost perfect score, for a submission showcasing his tireless, inspirational role, managing a $500m+ redevelopment project. He was selected to participate in the organisation’s leadership programme, a global initiative providing executive leadership training. At the conclusion, he was voted by his peers as a being the person they would most like to work for.

"His leadership within the industry and constant desire to develop and improve on the processes and techniques, have been acknowledged by his peers and industry colleagues." Judging panel comments

Women of the Built Environment

Presented by MBM, the inaugural Women of the Built Environment award recognises and promotes the positive contribution of women to the industry. It aims to create a cohort of inspirational female role models for the future.

Out of an outstanding field with the highest number of nominations, Amanda Steele from CBRE was announced as the winner. She has established a number of initiatives both within CBRE, and the wider community, to have a positive impact. These include: hosting documentaries about creating places that matter, creating Podcasts on the role of sustainability and wellness in the industry, and developing an innovative technology platform.

Young Achiever of the Year

The Young Achiever of the Year Award acknowledges an outstanding individual who, having embarked upon the journey to professionalism through RICS, has achieved excellence in their chosen field.

Greta San Miguel of CBRE emerged as the winner for a submission showcasing her management of a challenging project, both in scope and timeline. She was also commended for her work leading the Matrics group in New South Wales, RICS’ group of forward-thinking young professionals.

"The submission described the nominee’s thorough adherence and use of RICS guidelines and procedures, utilising her RICS competency based training to assist where specific issues arose. The nomination was backed by strong testimonials praising her diligence and commitment." Judging panel comments

Lifetime Achievement Award

The climax of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognises eminent commitment to RICS and the wider profession, and is the most prestigious award for built environment professionals

Andy Bendell FRICS and John Marasco FRICS presented this award to Paul Healy FRICS, CEO of Property Funds for his outstanding contribution to the profession. He is highly respected within the property and funds management industry; an inclusive, approachable leader who is knowledgeable, ethical and clear in his dealings.

Paul served 22 years on the RICS Victoria & Tasmania Committee, sat on the RICS Oceania World Regional Board from 2006–2011, and contributed significantly to the promotion and strategic direction of RICS in the region.

An inspirational winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

"He contributed significantly to the promotion and strategic direction of RICS in Oceania, being part of the transition which led to the growth from an expat organisation, with no regional staff or profile, to the RICS professional qualification and body recognised by banks, property funds, government and the wider property industry." Andy Bendell FRICS, Bendell Property